PC Games of Summer 2009

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Have fun in the sun. We'll be inside with these hot summer games.

By IGN PC Team

The weather is hot and the games are even hotter. IGN's Games of Summer is your guide to the biggest and best titles of the season. We've picked the games that have us most psyched for the season, from sports games to shooters and everything in between.

So grab a cool beverage, sit near the pool (but not too close) and check out our PC Games of Summer 2009. And make sure to hit the links below to see what's sizzling on other gaming platforms this season.

What It Is: A real-world military simulation set in a fictional ex-Soviet republic being invaded by Russia. You play as US Marines sent into the conflict and must deal with multiple factions as you fight on the ground and in the air.

Why It's Hot: Developer Bohemia Interactive made the classic Operation Flashpoint eight years ago, and ArmA II looks to bring the same kind of you-are-there experience with an upgraded graphics engine. Early videos of large-scale AI battles are stunning.

What It Is: The Dark Knight faces his biggest threat to date as he faces off against super-villains in Arkham Asylum. Use the shadows and fear to foil The Joker's latest scheme of terror and chaos.

Why It's Hot: Batman stuck in Arkham while the inmates control the Asylum? This screams action from the moment that you start the game, and adding the voices from the animated series only improves the Gotham gameplay.

What It Is: The sequel to a gaming classic finally returns with Spencer pulled back into service against a new group of terrorists that threaten the world. With a new bionic arm and weapons, Bionic Commander swings back into action.

Why It's Hot: It's been too long since the first Bionic Commander, and this sequel delivers a worthy update to the action of the first game. The challenges and secrets also give you additional incentive to test your skils.

What It Is: The McCall brothers take over a prequel to 2007's western themed first person shooter as they go in search of gold and glory. New gunslinging mechanics and creative multiplayer modes round out the fast paced gameplay.

Why It's Hot: Packing an engaging story of two brothers cutting a bloody path across the Wild West, Bound in Blood should appeal to any action fan, even if they don't like westerns. Get ready to draw this summer.

What It Is: A new, superhero MMO from the creators of City of Heroes and City of Villains. Champions Online is based on the pen-and-paper Champions RPG and will feature notable characters from the universe.

Why It's Hot: Cryptic learned a lot from it's the City of Heroes/Villains games, and Champions Online's intriguing blend of superhero creation and adventure looks good. It's also clad in a cell-shaded art style that makes it look like a comic book.

What It Is: A subscription-based, online persistent third-person shooter set in a near-future urban setting. You must compete in battles to accrue fame and fortune; the latter can be used to purchase new weapons, items, and skills.

Why It's Hot: The persistent shooter genre looks to be the next big thing in online games, and CrimeCraft will be one of the first to get there. It offers fast-paced, Counter-Strike-like gameplay and adds rewards for long-term play.

What It Is: Take control of one of eight colonial trading companies and bring the goods of the new world back to Europe. Diplomacy is useful, but conquering the sea and colonies will be key to your success.

Why It's Hot: Fighting pirates, capturing ports and declaring war on countries – it's all in a day's work for a trader in East India Company. Throw in trading goods and establishing your own empire, and you have a solid twist on historical strategy.

What It Is: The third and penultimate chapter in TellTale's episodic Wallace and Gromit adventure series. When a newcomer plans to build a dog shelter in Wallace and Gromit's town, all is not what it appears.

Why It's Hot: Because Wallace and Gromit are completely awesome and TellTale has done a great job capturing the look, feel, and humor of Aardman's dynamic duo. These basically feel like interactive Wallace & Gromit shorts.

What It Is: Paradox's comprehensive World War II strategy game is back with new features. At its core remains the ability to take control of any nation on Earth from the World War II era and chart your own course.

Why It's Hot: Like its predecessors, Hearts of Iron III is a game for those who like incredible amounts of detail and control. You're in charge of an entire nation and make economic, diplomatic, and military decisions.